2010 Ford Taurus

Key Highlights

All-new for 2010 and ready to take on the world's best, with an upscaled new design, impeccable driving dynamics and class-leading technologies which include Intelligent Access with Push Button Start, Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Warning, BLIS (Blind spot Information System) with Cross Traffic Alert, MyKey, Ford SYNC®,SecuriCode™ Keyless Entry, Easy Fuel™ capless fuel filler system and automatic high-beam headlamps. No line overlooked. No curve a mistake, inside and out, the Taurus once again revolutionizes the way cars look, feel and drive – projected up to 28 mpg hwy.* The new Taurus SHO is tuned for All-Wheel-Drive performance, showcasing the breakthrough twin-turbo, direct-injection EcoBoost™ V6 engine delivering horsepower with improved fuel economy and lower emissions.



Available Trim Levels

*SE
*SEL
*Limited
*SHO



Features

Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support**

AdvanceTrac® with ESC®(Electronic Stability Control) with Traction Control –
Brake and engine actuated

Air conditioning

Audio:
*AM/FM stereo/single-CD/MP3 Capable (6 speakers)
*SIRIUS Satellite Radio**

Brakes – Power 4-wheel disc with Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)

Easy Fuel™ capless fuel-filler system

Engine:
*3.5L 24-valve Duratec® V6, 6-speed automatic transmission
*3.5L 24-valve Duratec® V6, 6-speed SelectShift Automatic™ with paddle activation**
*NEW 3.5L 24-valve Duratec V6 EcoBoost™ 6-speed SelectShift Automatic™ with paddle activation**

Ford SYNC®**

FWD / AWD**

Headlamps – Auto, wiper activated, projector halogen

Intelligent access with push button start**

MyKey™

Power points (3)

Power door locks, mirrors and windows

Reverse Sensing**

Seats:
*6-way power driver with manual lumbar
*Fold-flat, power front-passenger
*Rear 60/40 split-folding

SecuriCode™ – Keyless Entry (Keypad)

Steering – Tilt, telescoping with cruise and audio controls

Voice-activated Navigation System with SIRIUS Travel Link™**

Wheels:
*17" painted-aluminum (SE)
*18" painted sparkle silver aluminum (SEL)
*19" chrome-clad aluminum (Limited)
*19" premium painted luster-nickel aluminum (SHO)

Safety and Security

Airbags:
*Side impact
*Safety Canopy® System with rollover sensor

Anti-theft perimeter alarm**

Child-safety rear door locks

Illuminated entry

LATCH – Lower Anchors and Tether anchors for Child-safety seats

SecuriLock® passive anti-theft ignition system

Personal Safety System™

Remote keyless entry

SOS Post-Crash Alert System™

Tire Pressure Monitoring System



Optional Features**

Power Moonroof

Leather-trimmed seats, heated front and 6-way passenger seat

Multi-Contour seats with Active Motion™

Wheels – 20" premium painted luster-nickel aluminum (SHO)

SHO Performance Package (12S)



Rapid Spec Content**

Ambient Lighting

Audio – Sony® AM/FM/CDx6/MP3 with 12 speakers premium sound system

Auto high beam/rain sensing wipers

BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross Traffic Alert

Electrochromic driver exterior mirror

Ford SYNC®

Heated and cooled front seats

Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start

Power-adjustable pedals

Power rear-window sunshade

Rear View Camera

Reverse Sensing System

Second row heated seats

Wheels – 19" painted sparkle silver aluminum



Fleet Only Options

Daytime running lamps

Engine block heater

*Fuel economy based on preliminary Ford data: 18 mpg city/28 hwy. (FWD).
**Available on select series. Restrictions may apply. See your dealer for details.

Ford Motor Company reserves the right to change product specifications at any time without incurring obligations.

Call me for more information on any Ford vehicle:
Nick Breese
Fleet Manager, Berglund Ford
Salem/Roanoke, VA
Local: 540-389-7291x2251
Toll Free: 888-389-7921
Cell: 540-986-5679
nbreese@berglundcars.com

Live out of state? No problem, I can deliver your new vehicle(s) to your front door, ANYWHERE!

Ford Focus Named ’Most Significant’ Vehicle

Ford Focus Named ’Most Significant’ Vehicle
at 2010 Detroit Auto Show by AutoWeek Magazine

The AutoWeek editorial staff has named Ford’s next-generation Focus the “Most Significant” vehicle of the 2010 North American International Auto Show. High praise indeed, considering the number of excellent cars and trucks at this month’s annual gathering in Detroit. The popular auto show hosted nearly 40 new vehicle premieres.

“This was a unanimous vote, one of the few in the history of the AutoWeek award,” said Wes Raynal, editor of AutoWeek and autoweek.com. “This car gives Ford and Focus fans their car back. By that we mean enthusiasts have been crying for the European Focus for years and we’re finally getting our wish. We also think it’s a perfect platform for an SVT version. The car goes on sale in 2011 powered by a sporty four-cylinder engine mated to a DSG transmission, and we can’t wait to drive it.”

The Next-Generation Ford Focus
The next-generation Ford Focus made its worldwide debut Monday, Jan. 11 at the 2010 North American International Auto Show. Scheduled to go on sale in both North America and Europe early in 2011, the new Focus will offer customers more affordable technologies and features than ever in this segment, noteworthy levels of craftsmanship, outstanding fuel economy and a new standard for driving quality.

The prestigious AutoWeek award is being presented just three days after Ford received both the North American Car and Truck of the Year awards for the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and 2010 Ford Transit Connect, respectively.

“We are delighted and humbled with the initial response to the next-generation Ford Focus,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president for Global Product Development. “The new Focus is a direct result of our new global product development system and perhaps the best example yet of what we believe a global Ford product should be – great to look at, great to sit in and great to drive. This is truly ONE Ford in action.”

Sleek, stylish and sporty, the new Focus will eventually be sold in 122 markets, with up to 80 percent parts commonality. The Focus will be built on Ford’s new C-car platform, which will underpin up to 10 unique models and generate sales of 2 million units annually.

The next-generation Ford Focus will be on public display at NAIAS – along with other award-winning Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles – in Detroit’s Cobo Hall through Jan. 24.

Call me for more information on any Ford vehicle:
Nick Breese
Fleet Manager, Berglund Ford
Salem/Roanoke, VA
Local: 540-389-7291x2251
Toll Free: 888-389-7921
Cell: 540-986-5679
nbreese@berglundcars.com

Live out of state? No problem, I can deliver your new vehicle(s) to your front door, ANYWHERE!

Ford Sweeps N.A. Car and Truck of the Year Awards

Ford Sweeps N.A. Car and Truck of the Year Awards
Ford Motor Company scored a historic doubleheader today, capturing both the North American Car of the Year and North American Truck of the Year awards for the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and 2010 Ford Transit Connect, respectively, at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). It is only the third time in 17 years that one manufacturer has won both titles.

“Winning both of these prestigious awards is confirmation that the ONE Ford plan is working, delivering industry-leading products for our customers,” said Mark Fields, president of The Americas.

The North American Car and Truck of the Year awards recognize vehicles based on factors including innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar. A jury of 49 automotive journalists in the United States and Canada vote for the vehicles, which must be “all-new” or “substantially changed” from the previous model to qualify for the award.

The Fusion Hybrid edged out finalists including the Buick LaCrosse and Volkswagen Golf/GTI to win the North American Car of the Year award. It is the fourth hybrid vehicle in 17 years to win recognition as North American Car (or Truck) of the Year. It also is the second hybrid win for Ford – the most hybrid wins for any automaker. The Ford Escape Hybrid was named North American Truck of the Year in 2005.

The Transit Connect bested finalists including the Chevrolet Equinox and Subaru Outback to win the North American Truck of the Year award. It is the sixth Ford truck to win the award – the most wins of any automaker in the 17-year history of the awards program. It also is the second year in a row that Ford has captured the title. Last year, top honors went to the 2009 Ford F-150.

Fusion Hybrid a winner out of the gate
The North American Car of the Year award is the latest in an impressive string of awards and accolades for the Fusion Hybrid. Most recently, the vehicle was honored as CAR and DRIVER Magazine’s “10Best” Cars for 2010, one of AUTOMOBILE Magazine’s 2010 All-Stars, and the entire Fusion lineup captured the acclaimed MOTOR TREND Car of the Year® award.

The all-new Fusion Hybrid arrived in dealers in March, complete with a powertrain system that combines the best attributes of the gasoline engine and electric battery-driven motors to deliver the optimal experience for the customer in terms of driving performance and fuel economy.

The Fusion Hybrid also offers drivers a way to be more connected to the hybrid driving experience thanks to Ford’s SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide, a unique instrument cluster execution that helps coach them on how to optimize the performance of their hybrid.

Other class-exclusive technologies and features that set the Fusion Hybrid apart from the competition include Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®), Ford SYNC®, SIRIUS Travel Link™ and more total passenger and luggage capacity than the Toyota Camry.

Despite the slump in overall industry sales, 2009 was a record-breaking year for the Ford Fusion. Sales are at an all-time high, with the Fusion Hybrid accounting for almost 20 percent of total Fusion retail sales. Perhaps even more significant, more than 60 percent of Fusion Hybrid sales have been to customers coming from import brands – mostly Toyota and Honda.

Awards and accolades for the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid include:


MOTOR TREND Car of the Year Award

One of CAR and DRIVER Magazine’s “10Best” Cars for 2010

One of AUTOMOBILE Magazine’s 2010 All-Stars

2009 “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

2009 Ward’s Interior of the Year Special Achievement Award for Best Graphic Display for SmartGauge with EcoGuide digital instrument cluster

Great Car for the Long-haul Salesman by Kelley Blue Book kbb.com

One of America’s Top 40 New Cars by MOTOR TREND magazine

Rated the No. 1 Hybrid Family Sedan by CAR and DRIVER in a recent comparison test by the magazine

2009 and 2010 Editors Choice for Fuel Sipper by CAR and DRIVER Magazine

Best Hybrid for the Money in the Midsize Car segment by cars.com

One of 2009 Top 10 Green Cars by Kelley Blue Book kbb.com

The Detroit News Readers’ Choice Award for “Best Value”

2010 Consumers Digest Best Buy

Detroit Free Press 2010 Car of the Year

2010 Most Environmentally Progressive Car of the Year by Earth, Wind & Power

10 Best Engine by Ward’s Auto World

The 2010 Fusion Hybrid is built at Ford’s Hermosillo (Mexico) Stamping and Assembly Plant.


Transit Connect fills unmet needs of small businesses and fleets
The Transit Connect was brought to the U.S. to fulfill the unmet needs of small business owners and entrepreneurs, offering them a new vehicle choice with significantly improved fuel economy, generous and accessible cargo space, and the agility and maneuverability to operate in crowded urban areas.

Powered by a 2.0-liter I-4 engine with a four-speed automatic overdrive transmission, the Transit Connect offers double the fuel economy of full-size vans, delivering an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.

The Transit Connect also has more than double the cargo-carrying capacity of the Chevrolet HHR Panel, making it suitable for a broader range of commercial-use applications. And it offers commercial users a cargo payload of up to 1,600 pounds – a larger payload than the full-size Dodge Ram 1500 standard-cab short-box pickup truck.

The Transit Connect also is available with the industry-exclusive Ford Work Solutions™, a suite of affordable technologies that provides customers with connectivity, flexibility, visibility and security to better run key aspects of their business.

On Transit Connect, Ford Work Solutions delivers three innovative features:


A wireless in-dash computer that provides full high-speed Internet access, Bluetooth-enabled hands-free calling and navigation. The system also allows customers to print invoices, check inventories and access documents stored on their home or office computer networks right on the job site.

Tool Link™, a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) asset tracking system that enables customers to maintain detailed real-time inventory of the tools or equipment.

Crew Chief™, a fleet tracking, telematics and diagnostics system that provides dynamic location and performance data fleet owners need to more efficiently manage their vehicles, quickly dispatch workers to job sites, monitor driver performance for safety and economy, and keep detailed vehicle maintenance records.

Awards and accolades for the 2010 Ford Transit Connect include:


2010 Editors Choice for Vans by CAR and DRIVER Magazine

Detroit Free Press 2010 Truck of the Year

The Detroit News 2010 Truck of the Year

2010 Popular Mechanics Automotive Excellence Award for Best Workhorse Vehicle

A Great Car for the Small Business Delivery/Utility Worker by Kelley Blue Book kbb.com

The 2010 Ford Transit Connect is built at the Ford Otosan Kocaeli Plant in Kocaeli, Turkey.

Call me for more information on any Ford vehicle:
Nick Breese
Fleet Manager, Berglund Ford
Salem/Roanoke, VA
Local: 540-389-7291x2251
Toll Free: 888-389-7921
Cell: 540-986-5679
nbreese@berglundcars.com

Live out of state? No problem, I can deliver your new vehicle(s) to your front door, ANYWHERE!

2010 Ford Fusion

Key Highlights
The 2010 Fusion provides impressive performance, fuel economy and technology
along with new exterior and interior styling.

The new 175-hp* 2.5L I-4 with automatic transmission delivers up to 34 mpg
highway,** giving Fusion the best mileage in the mid-size class.†

The 240-hp* 3.0L FFV V6 capability allows operation on E85 fuel, regular unleaded gasoline or any combination of the two.

Plus, the two new members to the 2010 Fusion lineup: The 263-hp Fusion SEL
and the Fusion Hybrid.

Available Trim Levels

S
SE
SEL
Sport
Hybrid

Features

Ambient Lighting (SEL)

Audio
-AM/FM stereo/single-CD player/MP3 capability (S, SE)
-Auxiliary input jack

Brakes – Power 4-wheel disc with Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)

Cabin air filter

Easy Fuel™ capless fuel-filler system

Engine – NEW 2.5L Duratec I-4 with 6-speed manual transmission, optional 6-speed automatic transmission (S, SE)

Mirrors – Power sideview

Power points (2)

Power windows and door locks

Seats
-Fold-down front-passenger (SE, SEL, Sport)
-60/40 split-folding rear with center armrest and 2 cupholders
-1st row – 6 way power driver seat with manual recline (SE)
-Leather trimmed and heated seating surfaces (SEL)

Steering wheel-mounted cruise control

Tilt/telescoping steering column

Wheels – 16" aluminum

Safety & Security

AdvanceTrac® electronic stability control

Airbags – Front-seat side, and front and rear side-curtain

Battery Saver

Illuminated Entry

LATCH – Lower Anchors and Tether anchors for Child-safety seats

Perimeter anti-theft alarm

Personal Safety System® for driver and front passenger – Includes dual-stage front airbags, safety belt pretensioners, safety belt energy-management retractors, safety belt usage sensors, driver-seat position sensor, crash severity sensor, restraint control module and Front-Passenger Sensing System

Remote keyless-entry system with Trunk Release (FOB integrated into key)

SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS)

SOS Post-Crash Alert System

Tire Pressure Monitoring System


Optional Features††

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) (SEL optional, Sport standard)

Climate Control – Dual-Zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (DEATC)

Electrochromic (Auto-Dimming) Rearview Mirror with Microphone and Compass

Engines

-3.0L Duratec V6 FFV 6-speed transmission or optional 6-speed SelectShift
Automatic™ transmission

-All new 3.5L Duratec V6 with 6-speed SelectShift Automatic™ transmission

Fog Lamps

Ford SYNC® with 911 Assist™ and Vehicle Health Reports (SE, SEL, Sport)

Heated Mirrors

Rear spoiler

Reverse Sensing System

SIRUS® Satellite Radio (SE standard)

Voice-activated, navigation system with SIRIUS® Travel Link

Wheels

-17" 5-spoke design steel with silver painted wheelcover (SE standard)
-17" 5-spoke machined aluminum ( SEL standard)
-18" 5-spoke painted aluminum (Sport standard)
-18" machined-aluminum with painted pockets

RAPID SPEC CONTENT††

Driver’s Vision Package:
-Includes BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross Traffic Alert, and
Rear View Camera (camera displayed in rearview mirror unless ordered with Navigation System)
-Ford SYNC®

Moon & Tune Value Package:

-Moonroof
-Sony® Sound System/CDx6/MP3 Capable with 12 speakers

Electronics Package:
-Includes BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross Traffic Alert, Rear View Camera (via auto-dimming rearview mirror), 6-way power front-passenger seat,
heated driver and front-passenger seats, Dual-zone Electronic Automatic
Temperature Control, Ambient Lighting, automatic headlamps, heated sideview mirrors with security approach lamps, and SecuriCode™ keyless-entry keypad

Sun and SYNC Package:
-Electrochromic (Auto-Dimming) Rearview Mirror with Microphone and Compass
-Moonroof
-Ford SYNC® with 911 Assist™ and Vehicle Health Reports

Fleet Only Options

Daytime Running Lamps
Engine Block Heater

* Horsepower ratings based on preliminary results.
** 2010 EPA-estimated fuel economy: Fusion S FWD 23 mpg city/34 hwy. with 2.5L I-4
and 6-speed automatic transmission.

† Midsize Sedan class.
†† Available on select series. Restrictions may apply. See your dealer for details.

Ford Motor Company reserves the right to change product specifications at any time without incurring obligations

Call me for more information on any Ford vehicle:
Nick Breese
Fleet Manager, Berglund Ford
Salem/Roanoke, VA
Local: 540-389-7291x2251
Toll Free: 888-389-7921
Cell: 540-986-5679
nbreese@berglundcars.com

Live out of state? No problem, I can deliver your new vehicle(s) to your front door, ANYWHERE!

Ford F-Series Does it Again

Best-Selling Truck for 33 Straight Years; Best Selling Vehicle for 28 Years




For the 33rd year in a row, Ford’s award-winning F-Series is America’s best-selling truck with 2009 sales of 413,625. F-series outsold its nearest truck rival by more than 97,000 units, the largest margin in three years.

In addition, for the 28th consecutive year, F-Series is once again America’s best-selling vehicle of any type – car, crossover, SUV, truck or van.

F-Series sales for 2009 totaled 413,625, which increased its segment share by 4 percentage-points. December sales for F-Series were 48,209, a 16 percent increase over December 2009 and the best sales month since March 2008.

“When it comes to trucks, only one stat matters – how customers vote with their wallets,” said Doug Scott, truck group marketing manager. “And the results are clear – the capability, productivity, technology and value of Ford F-Series is unmatched.”

The F-150 was redesigned inside and out for 2009 and set a new benchmark for full size pickups with new high-strength, lighter-weight chassis that delivers more class-leading towing and hauling capability and unsurpassed fuel economy.

During the past six years, the “core trucker” – those who use their truck’s towing and hauling capability for work and play – has jumped to 40 percent from 30 percent of the light-duty full-size pickup market. In the commercial/fleet portion of this core trucker sub-segment, Ford F-Series continues to dominate. The F-150 has 44 percent of the light duty commercial/fleet market; and Super Duty is stronger still with over 56 percent of heavy duty commercial/fleet market.

New to F-Series for 2010 is the F-150 Harley-Davidson and the off-road F-150 SVT Raptor, winner of the 2009 Truck of Texas.

F-Series also offers the industry-first Ford Work Solutions, an innovative suite of options including an in-dash computer with Internet access, Tool Link to track tools, Crew Chief technology to dispatch workers and reduce vehicle operating costs and Cable Lock to improve security of tools and equipment.

When the 2011 F-Series Super Duty hits dealership showrooms this spring, it will feature an all-new Ford-designed, Ford-engineered and Ford-built 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbocharged V-8 diesel engine.

The top-selling Ford truck dealerships in the country are located in Texas, Nebraska and Missouri. Among them: Woodhouse Ford, Blair, Nebraska; Philpott Ford, Port Neches, Texas; Planet Ford, Spring, Texas; Midway Ford Truck Center, Kansas City, Missouri.; Five Star Ford, North Richland Hills, Texas; Sam Pack’s Five Star Ford, Carrollton, Texas.


Call me for more information on any Ford vehicle:
Nick Breese
Fleet Manager, Berglund Ford
Salem/Roanoke, VA
Local: 540-389-7291x2251
Toll Free: 888-389-7921
Cell: 540-986-5679
nbreese@berglundcars.com

Live out of state? No problem, I can deliver your new vehicle(s) to your front door, ANYWHERE!

2010 Ford Focus

Key Highlights

*Maximize your daily deliveries and minimize your greenhouse footprint. Whether you chose the 4-door sedan or the 2-door coupe, Focus has it all. The Focus comes with an efficient 140-hp, 4-cylinder engine that helps deliver impressive real world fuel economy of up to 35 mpg.* The Duratec® 2.0L I-4 engine is qualified for California ultra low emission vehicle (ULEV II) emission standards.

*The 60/40 split-folding rear seat enhances versatility, while the AdvanceTrac® Electronic Stability ControlTM with Anti-Lock Brakes, 6 airbags and a power group which includes power locks, power windows and remote keyless entry system which achieves comfort and convenience with a touch of a button. Ford Focus continues to offer tremendous value for the 2010 model year, packing even more premium content into its practical sedan and sporty coupe versions.


Available Trim Levels

Coupe:
-SE
-SES
Sedan:
-S
-SE
-SES
-SEL


Features

AdvanceTrac® with ESC® (Electronic Stability Control™)
Air conditioning
Audio – AM/FM stereo/single-CD/MP3 capable/4 speakers
Brakes – Power-assisted front disc and rear drum (ABS)
Door Locks - Power
Engine:
-2.0L Duratec® I-4, 5-speed manual transmission
-2.0L Duratec 20E PZEV I-4 available in California Emissions States**
Floor Mats – 1st and 2nd Row
Ford SYNC® **
Illuminated entry
Message Center – Tachometer and trip odometer
Mirrors – Power**
MyKey™
Power points (2)
Remote keyless entry
Seats:
-1st Row - Cloth buckets, 4-way manual driver
-2nd Row - 60/40 split-folding rear seatback with cushion
SIRIUS® Satellite Radio**
Steering Wheel – Vinyl / Tilt
Wheels:
-15" steel with 6-spoke appearance covers (S)
-15" alloy (SE Sedan)
-16" aluminum (SE Coupe)
-16" Euroflange (SEL)
-17" premium painted (SES)
Power windows with one-touch-up/-down driver-window feature**

Safety & Security

Air Bags:
-Dual Stage Front
-Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS)
-Side Impact
-Side-Curtains
Belt-Minder® front safety belt reminder
Child-safety rear door locks
LATCH – Lower Anchors and Tether anchors for Child-safety seats
Perimeter alarm**
Rear 3-point shoulder and lap safety belt system for all seating positions, including rear center
SecuriLock® passive anti-theft ignition system
Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Optional Features**

Ambient Lighting
Cruise control
Moonroof
Seats – Leather-trimmed, heated front
Sedan SE Appearance Package
Transmission – 4-speed automatic

Rapid Spec Content**

Driver’s Group:
-Includes: Leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel, cruise control, secondary audio controls and auto-dimming rearview mirror (Note: requires SYNC)
Ford SYNC®
Moon & Tune Package:
-Includes: Premium AM/FM single-CD/MP3 player with 190 watts and 9 speakers and monroof
SYNC® & Sound Package:
-Includes: Ford SYNC®, Driver’s Group, Premium AM/FM single-CD/MP3 player with 190 watts and 9 speakers

Fleet Only Options

Ashcup with Lighter Package
Daytime running lamps
Engine block heater
*2009 EPA-estimated fuel economy: 24 mpg city/35 hwy. with 5-speed manual transmission.
**Available on select series. Restrictions may apply. See your dealer (Nick Breese) for details.

Ford Motor Company reserves the right to change product specifications at any time without incurring obligations.

Call me for more information on any Ford vehicle:
Nick Breese
Fleet Manager, Berglund Ford
Salem/Roanoke, VA
Local: 540-389-7291x2251
Toll Free: 888-389-7921
Cell: 540-986-5679
nbreese@berglundcars.com

Live out of state? No problem, I can deliver your new vehicle(s) to your front door, ANYWHERE!

The American Cancer Society - 2010 Relay For Life of Botetourt County, VA:

The American Cancer Society - 2010 Relay For Life of Botetourt County, VA:

Ford Transit Connect-2009 Truck of the Year

Audi A3 TDI, Ford Transit Connect are best of 2009

Years don’t come much tougher than 2009.

Unemployment, bailouts, bridge loans and Wall Street. And now, this whole Tiger Woods thing seems to put an exclamation point on the year. So many things that meant one thing in January mean something completely different in December.

Companies and consumers around the world have learned to lower their expectations and live within their means. That’s been one of the most important criteria in measuring the value of many of the new cars and trucks introduced in 2009. Some new vehicles stretched the imagination of consumers. Others found new needs to fill and better ways to perform on the road.

The Detroit News Car and Truck of the Year: The 2010 Audi A3 TDI and the 2010 Ford Transit Connect.

Both vehicles carve out a new space in the automotive world, a difficult task when there are more than 300 nameplates parked around the country. But both of these vehicles offer versatility, efficient engines and affordable prices.

Car of the Year

In a world of growing hybrids and the soon-to-arrive electrics, one of the oldest types of engines still continues to push the globe forward: the diesel.

But Audi AG’s little 2-liter direct injection turbo diesel is not much like anything Rudolf’s namesake might remember. This little four-banger cranks out 230 pound-feet of driver-friendly torque. If the world really wants to get over itself and start to select cars with significantly better fuel efficiency and drivable power, it’s going to have to realize the technology is already here.

Maybe the world didn’t see it because the A3 TDI is just so much fun to drive. The six-speed automatic transmission is butter from first to sixth, and the car’s road-handling skills are an absolute joy. The car bites into corners and shoots out of them.

Better yet, it’s an Audi and the interior reflects the luxury carmaker’s growing reputation for excellent execution and style. But there’s another kind of luxury the A3 TDI offers: practicality. The A3 TDI has the length of a wagon and nearly 20 cubic feet of space behind the second row. Drop those 60/40 folding seats and load up the flat-screen TV or anything else you want.

The 2010 Audi A3 TDI may not usher in a new age of dieseloveability, but it should.

The rest of the best cars

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2010 Toyota Prius: The third-generation Toyota Prius is the best of the bunch. Not only did its combined gas mileage jump to 50 mpg, its vastly improved interior, more taut suspension and slightly larger size make this car practical. While many carmakers continue to push out new hybrids, only one remains truly popular: the Toyota Prius.
#
2010 Cadillac CTS Wagon: It’s the Cadillac I most want to have in my driveway. Lushly smooth, it has all the versatility of an SUV but offers great gas mileage. Its road manners are impeccable, and you forget it’s a wagon until you look in the rearview mirror.
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2010 Kia Soul: Funky, stylish and not a bad ride. Add to that a price tag starting under $14,000, and Kia hits a home run with this urban cruiser that’s affordable and fun. It highlights all of the features a young buyer might want or at least an owner who wants to feel young. The ride is solid. Its small size but big space makes it an ideal vehicle for a young adult who needs to pack up his apartment in a hurry.
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2010 Mazda3: The Mazda3 used to fall under the cheap and cheerful compacts. But when the redesigned 2010 model arrived this year, it showcased a new engine, a family resemblance to the Mazda6 and a serious interior. There’s nothing cheap about this sedan or hatchback. It’s fast, fun to drive, and can hit 33 miles per gallon on the highway. The revamped interior makes it feel much more luxurious than its $16,000 starting price tag suggests.

Truck of the Year

The 2010 Ford Transit Connect has no competition, at least not yet.

Ford Motor Co. brought the popular European little truck to the United States to the great appreciation of small-business owners around the country.

With its sliding second-row doors and easily configurable shell, it has nearly limitless flexibility. Ford has worked with a few outfitters to provide businesses with the ability to customize each van to suit individual needs.

Unlike bigger vans or pickups, the Transit Connect still manages to get 22 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

It has a starting price of $21,475; a fully outfitted vehicle costs less than $30,000.

Ford also provides the Transit Connect with its Work Solutions package, an array of helpful high-tech tools that can make a small business that much more efficient. And nowadays, every penny counts. Not every business needs to tow 15,000 pounds or load two tons in the bed of a truck. But any construction worker will tell you that the most important thing to have is the right tool for the right job. And for many businesses, the Transit Connect will do the job better than anything else.

The rest of the best trucks

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2010 Dodge Ram 2500: When Chrysler Group LLC added all of the good looks and functionality to the Dodge Ram 1500, it only made sense to do the same thing to its heavy-duty trucks. The new Ram 2500 loses its cramped Quad Cab and adds a true Crew Cab as well as all of those great features found in the 1500. The Ram 2500 has a beautiful look and the power to match. It’s world-class.
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2010 Audi Q5: Luxurious, powerful and an absolute blast to drive, the Audi Q5 enters the luxury sport small crossover segment like a bull in a parking lot full of sheep. It has a distinctive wide stance and looks that stand out in a sea of five-passenger crossovers.
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2010 Chevrolet Equinox: This may be the small crossover to beat in 2010. Its 32 mpg highway mileage, comfortable interior and well-thought-out features make it an instant contender with the likes of the Honda CR-V and Ford Escape. Its low starting price will also put it on many people’s shopping list.
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2010 Cadillac SRX: It’s world-class through and through. Following the splendid interiors of the CTS, the second-generation SRX replaces its boxy look with a more family friendly face that is pure Cadillac. It’s also one of the few Cadillacs to ever find its high performance engine arriving in a smaller displacement, a 2.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.

See, 2009 really did turn the world upside down.

Here’s looking to 2010 and the end of 2009. While the cars and trucks have been fantastic this year, you can have the rest of 2009. Good riddance.



Call me for more information on any Ford vehicle:
Nick Breese
Fleet Manager, Berglund Ford
Salem/Roanoke, VA
Local: 540-389-7291x2251
Toll Free: 888-389-7921
Cell: 540-986-5679
nbreese@berglundcars.com

Live out of state? No problem, I can deliver your new vehicle(s) to your front door, ANYWHERE!